The Lawrence men’s soccer team defeated Ripon 3-2 last Saturday … no big deal. They held the conference’s leading scorer in check … also no big deal. Such occurrences have become so customary for the team as of late that not much of a fuss needs to be made.Things got started early on as the conference’s third highest scorer, LU sophomore Rodrigo Gomes, converted on a penalty kick in the eighth minute. This was later followed by potentially the most beautiful goal ever – measuring both the physical progression of the goal and the dazzling good looks of its participants. A picturesque cross off the foot of Brendan Marshall-Rashid was prettily put away by an onrushing Klas Berghede. Mothers were sure to lock up their daughters after that one. Thus, the tally read 2-0 in favor of Lawrence at half.
Early in the second half, a man who has proven himself to be a newcomer of extreme value in the attacking third – freshman Ryan Pikna -converted to extend the lead.
Returning to the subject of a fuss being made, the only such occasion was the end of the team’s perfect defense streak. After 307 minutes and 20 seconds of scoreless play, Ripon managed to squeak one by. Such a time surpasses five hours, four Lawrence MWF classes, or the cumulative total time President Bush has spoken publicly in his four years in office.
The Vikings now face a stretch of games of indescribable importance towards their playoff chances. They currently stand in fifth place in the Midwest Conference with a record of 3-1-1 and need to perform strongly in their remaining games to guarantee a shot at the postseason. Their next home games come in the form of a weekend doubleheader with Illinois College and Monmouth on the 23rd and 24th.